Nicky Butt and Joe Kinnear pledge their futures to Newcastle United

Nicky Butt has said he wants to end his career at Newcastle United, and help
them climb out of the relegation hole they are currently sitting in.

Heart is in it: Nicky Butt wants to end his career with Newcastle UnitedPhoto: GETTY IMAGES

By Emily Benammar

12:51PM BST 19 Oct 2008

Butt's contract is up next summer, and coming up 34-year-old, the former Manchester United and England midfielder is hoping for a short term extension to his existing contract to see out his playing days.

Ahead of their clash with Manchester City tomorrow however, Butt has said that any contract talks will be put on hold while the club look for a new owner.

"We just have to put the contract situation to one side while the club gets some stability and a buyer comes forward," he said.

"It's not a long term thing with me because I'm 34 in three months, but I'd like to finish my career here.

"The club has a one-year option to extend my contract and I'll keep working hard."

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Meanwhile interim manager Joe Kinnear has also said he hopes his future is at St James' Park.

After filling the void following the departure of Kevin Keegan, Kinnear is all too aware of the pressure for him to get results.

"I'd like to stay here but the only way I'm going to stake my claim is by getting results," he said.

"I'll certainly throw my hat in the ring should another big-time job come up. Please God in a perfect world we beat Man City and I stay here permanently - but I know that might be a pipedream.

"Whoever comes in as manager is very lucky."

Good news for City is that Robinho will be fit for tomorrow’s home match having picked up a thigh problem while away on international duty with Brazil. Martin Petrov however is facing time on the sideline with ligament damage to his knee.